Chamber News

Tom Bishop Gives His Support for Mayo River Trail-Stuart, VA

At the Board of Supervisors meeting in Patrick County, Va, October 27, 2008, Tom Bishop, Executive Director, Patrick County Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the proposed Mayo River Trail.

The Chamber gave it’s support for the trail project in Sept. 2006 and here is what I said then, and I quote: “We see this as a great addition to the beautiful scenery, and wonderful Patrick County History, since it will follow the original Danville and Western Railroad trail, known as the “Dick and Willie�. This would certainly be an attraction for those who visit our County and are looking for other things to do. This is an era of exercise, bicycling, hiking and other outdoor sports that promote good health. This would give us an opportunity to build upon current trends. This would also be a great asset to citizens in the local community who participate in regular exercise programs. We have a lot of history in our county that connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Civil War times, the years of railroad industry, lumbering, and agriculture. Emphasizing both the river and the former rail line would be a tremendous attraction. As a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce, we will support efforts to promote tourism economy, which is so vital to our area that has historically lost manufacturing jobs. We must continue to build our tourism economy on our mountains, rivers, music heritage and history, which no one can export to a foreign country. We have some great assets which no one can take away from us.� – unquote Further: You can say, we have other trail opportunities. Yes that is true. But this would be unique in that it follows the beautiful Mayo River and give access to it that otherwise would not be possible. It would be a great plus to the Town of Stuart. We have a wonderful walking trail at DeHart Park. Great. This would simply add further to our great assets. The Mayo River Trail is a positive addition. The Town of Stuart is planning to upgrade the Uptown area. Modernize it you might say. They are planning to upgrade the farmer’s market area with a shed, covering for the agriculture vendors. Also to provide an amphitheatre. This is all adding to the attractions to the Town of Stuart and Patrick County. Ararat Why is a trail needed in Ararat? It is also a big plus to that section of the County. It will help the people in that part of the County. Woolwine Dehart Park in Woolwine has a walking trail too. Great! That helps that part of the county too.